The Bride Behind the Curtain by Darcie Wilde

Even wallflowers find a way to bloom... They were dismissed as hopeless—girls too plain, too shy, too gauche to stand any chance in the ruthless competition of the London season. But Helene Fitzgerald, Madelene Valmeyer, and Adele Edmundson have no intention of remaining wallflowers. Aided by the notorious novelist, Deborah Sewell, they form the Wallflower Pact and set out to find true love for themselves—and maybe even their chaperone.

The Bride Behind the Curtain- Adele Edmundson has always been considered too plump and too awkward for the fashionable world. But the girl has a discerning eye for fashion, filling notebooks with designs for beautiful dresses. She also has an eye for the dashing son of French expatriates, James Beauclaire. With a little help from her friends, and a talented modiste's assistant, Adele's gowns take society by storm and she begins a secret flirtation with James, who finds himself torn between family loyalties and true love. But as all Adele’s impossible dreams begin to come true, can she resist the temptations of a world suddenly throwing itself at her feet?

The Bride Behind the Curtain by Darcie Wilde is the first in the Regency Makeover a trilogy surrounding Helene Fitzgerald, Madelene Valmeyer, and Adele Edmundson. Three women who have no intention of remaining wallflowers. Aided by the notorious novelist, Deborah Sewell, they form the Wallflower Pact. The Bride Behind the Curtain introduces us to Adele and I found it to be a quick, delightful introduction to the trilogy.

Caffeinated Aspects of The Bride Behind the Curtain

I have a soft spot for those who do not fit into society’s norm, and poor Adele is one such character. Adele is considered too plump by the tons standards and her Aunt has no problem reminding her. To make matters worse, she dresses Adele in the wrong colors with ruffles and more ghastly adornments. Of course her younger sister is the crème de la crème of the season.

Adele reminded me a little of a younger me. She is sharp, reserved and tries to please. I found her to be charming, and more than once, she had me laughing. The story takes places at her brother’s estate. Their father recently passed, and he placed his Aunt in charge of the young women. They are in the midst of a house party and Adele wants nothing more than to escape. I loved the first encounter between Adele and James Beauclaire. I enjoyed their initial chemistry and was ready to enjoy this courtship.

James is in need of a wife to fill his coffers, and truth be told he was there to woo Adele’s younger sister. I am not a huge fan of fortune hunters but Wilde quickly shared his story and introduced us to his sister making me feel for him. Although he was often dimwitted as men occasional are I was soon rooting for this couple.

Helene and Madelene seemed lovely and I look forward to learning more. I am curious as to whether Adele’s sister will get a story. She really is dreadful and I imagine the man who sets her straight will make for a delicious tale. Secondary characters like the Aunt and sister added to the tale while aiding the reader in understanding our hero and heroine. Sadly we learn very little about them as they stay in the background.

Decaffeinated Aspects of The Bride Behind the Curtain

The chemistry between Adele and James was sizzling but the romance suffered as the Wallflower Pact took center stage. I would have preferred a slow burning romance to curl my toes.

I wanted to know more about the notorious Deborah Sewell who has come to the girls’ aid. She seemed to be accepted by Adele’s overbearing Aunt, but there is a story here.

I enjoyed the story and in fact read this in a single sitting, but I would have preferred a slower romance and all the details that come with a house party and courtship. The plot was well planned, and the story flowed naturally but I was not given time to become swept up.

While we can guess how the romance wraps up, their story will continue as a side dish in the next book.

The Bride Behindthe Curtain was a quick, fun read and I am curious about the rest of the girls in the Wallflower Pact. The Stepsister’s Triumph and An Exquisite Marriage will release in April and May of this year.

About Darcie Wilde

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War. She also writes under the names C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. She's a self-professed Whovian, as well as a Supernatural, and Sherlock Holmes junkie, She enjoys sharing books, tips, recipes and hosting the Sunday Post. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat...Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

I also love those that don’t quite fit in. I think we all identify with that in some manner or another. I loved “Although he was often dimwitted as men occasional are” ROFL! I’m curious about their relationship and to see if he smartens up. 😉 Great review.

It certainly has the promise to be an engaging read for me, but it is sad that with such a delightful pair that they had to be rushed and share the stage with the Wallflower group. Maybe that intro to the Wallflower Pact could have been a prequel with the three girls’ romances afterward. Still, glad it was good.

I just love that cover! Too bad the romance wasn’t more of a slow burn. I think I’ll pass on this one. So cool that you identified with Adele though. I love when I can identify with a book character! 🙂

In regency romances, I prefer a slow romance, too, it kind of goes better with the time period. I’m glad you enjoyed a lot of the aspects of The Bride Behind the Curtain, even if it wasn’t perfect. It intrigued me enough to want to give it a try myself 🙂
I hope you’re enjoying a fantastic Friday!

Nick

I really feel for Adele already and I think I would find myself rooting for her! It’s a shame though that the romance wasn’t the focus. I would definitely want more of that slow burn romance.
Lovely review, Kim! 🙂

“Although he was often dimwitted as men occasional are I was soon rooting for this couple.”

*snort* This sounds like a fun read Kim, though I always prefer a slow burn romance as well. Still, I feel for Adele – no one looks good in ruffles! I kind of want to punch her aunt in the throat as well for reminding her of her weight all the time, but of course I know Adele gets her HEA so that makes it easier to tolerate:)

I like the sound of this – the friendship and the pact. But I think I’d also prefer to be swept away in the romance. And I’ll be curious to see if you learn more about Deborah Sewell in the followups. Oh, and I giggled over James being dimwitted, as men sometimes are! LOL